Translation guide
The English word "chronic" has two main uses: describing long-lasting medical conditions, and describing habitual or persistent negative behaviors or situations. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing a disease or health condition that persists for a long time or constantly recurs.
The standard medical term for 'chronic'. Used directly before nouns.
He suffers from chronic back pain.
Describing a bad habit, problem, or situation that is persistent and hard to stop.
Used for habitual negative behaviors, especially crimes or rule-breaking. 'Chronic offender' etc.
While 慢性的な can be used for social problems, it is not natural for personal habits like 'chronic procrastinator'. Use 常習的な or rephrase with 癖.
I have a chronic procrastination habit.
I have been experiencing chronic fatigue.
Adjectival form, often used in more descriptive or explanatory contexts. Slightly more formal than 慢性の.
This disease follows a chronic course.
He is a chronic speeder.
a chronic liar
Also used for persistent social or organizational problems, like 'chronic shortage' or 'chronic issue'.
This region suffers from chronic water shortages.
Chronic labor shortage is a problem.
Literally 'has become a habit'. Used for personal bad habits, less formal.
His chronic lateness has become a habit.